Hybrid effects in composites: a comparison between interlaminar and translaminar configurations

In a recent study the prerequisites for a hybrid effect and the factors which determine the occurrence of a positive or negative effect were examined and specified [2]. In this study, the influence of loading configuration on the hybrid effect is examined by comparing results from interlaminar and translaminar loadings. It is shown that the hybrid effect depends on the loading configuration through its dependence on the mode of failure. A positive hybrid effect under interlaminar loading is more likely to occur when the two types of fibres form an intimate mixture, whereby higher stress and greater energy are required to initiate delamination failure.